- Warrant Officer Eunice Nortman, 53, was struck by a BMW SUV at a shopping centre in Lichtenburg while fetching her family
- Her husband Willem, also a police officer, rushed to the scene after receiving a call — only to find her surrounded by paramedics
- A 23-year-old man has appeared in court as police investigate a murder case linked to her death
Source: Getty Images
NORTH WEST - The death of a North West police officer has left her family devastated, with her husband struggling to come to terms with losing the woman he shared 30 years of marriage with.
Warrant Officer Eunice Nortman, 53, died on Monday, 19 October 2026, after she was struck by a BMW SUV at Lichtenburg Mall in North West.
Husband speaks out
Her husband, Willem Nortman, spoke to News24. He described the loss as heartbreaking, saying her death had shattered their family.
“Her death has shattered the family,” he said, reflecting on the sudden loss of his wife.
According to reports, Eunice had gone to the shopping centre to fetch her mother, Ina Wessels, 83, and her sister, Elrika van der Merwe, who was visiting from Cape Town.
She was reportedly crossing a pedestrian crossing to load shopping packages into her vehicle when the BMW struck her.
Willem recalls moments before her death
Willem said he was at home when his mother-in-law called to inform him about the accident. He immediately rushed to the scene.
He found his wife lying on the ground, surrounded by paramedics. Although her eyes were open, she appeared confused and did not respond when he spoke to her.
Eunice was taken to General De La Rey State Hospital before doctors placed her on a ventilator because she was struggling to breathe.
Plans were made to transfer her to a private hospital in Klerksdorp. However, the family faced difficulties securing medical aid approval and an ambulance.
At around 7pm, a doctor informed Willem that his wife was brain dead. She later died that evening.
View X post of the husband's interview here:
Husband remembers his wife of 30 years
Willem and Eunice had been married for 30 years and had two sons, Wian, 26, and Wessel, 24.
The couple also shared a passion for police work. Willem had served for 37 years, while Eunice had spent 34 years in the police service. Remembering their relationship, Willem speaks fondly of her.
“Eunice was everything I wanted,” he said.
He remembered her as a devoted mother who always wanted the best for their children. She was also known for helping people in need in their community.
Willem said Eunice had a soft spot for vulnerable people and would assist those who approached her for food and clothing.
Her compassion extended to animals. He recalled how she once rescued an injured dog that had been burned and left chained in the sun. She took the animal for treatment and eventually adopted it, naming it Shadow.
Despite the circumstances surrounding her death, Willem said he did not hate the person responsible, acknowledging that nothing could bring his wife back. W/O Eunice will be laid to rest on 28 October 2026.
Driver appears in court
A 23-year-old man, Akilesh Gupta, appeared in the Lichtenburg Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 21 October, following the incident.
He was remanded in custody until his next court appearance on Tuesday, 27 October.
Police are investigating a murder case, while authorities are also pursuing charges relating to an alleged contravention of immigration legislation.
SAPS pays tribute to slain police officers
In other news, Briefly News also reported that South African Police Service members, government officials and grieving family gathered in Westdene, Johannesburg on 12 August 2026 to pay their final respects to two constables killed while on duty in Reiger Park the previous Saturday. Constable Siphiwe Sibeko and Constable Thapelo Tlomatsane, both attached to the Gauteng Provincial Anti-Gang Unit, were fatally ambushed after responding to a shooting incident involving two cousins.
Source: Briefly News